PLU Chemistry Department

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - WA Dept of Health's Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) is recruiting a Student Representative to help bring emerging perspectives, new ideas, and community voices into statewide immunization practices. This is a unique opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students in public health and related fields to experience how state-level vaccine policy, communications, and public health decision-making work in practice while collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and public health leaders from across Washington. Open to junior-level undergraduate students and above. This is a voluntary, unpaid position.

Submissions are due June 30th.

https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/public-health-system-resources-and-services/immunization/vaccine-advisory-committee-vac/members?fbclid=IwY2xjawSO7lpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5V0nDNhD0nntclmx5NKc3xZGM-vvrAr7QGu_uyIGteopczb5Fs6LTkiptUc_aem_k0xBwNqnzqplR-ebbom4PQ

VAC Members The Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) is a voluntary and not compensated committee that includes representatives with expertise in tribal health, vaccinology, preventative medicine, vaccine-preventable disease management, pediatrics, epidemiology, family practice, naturopathic medicine, school health...

Construction on the 2nd floor open lab in Rieke began this week, so we thought it might be fun to look back at the Rieke Lobby over the years to see how it's changed. The wooden donor wall, carved by Biology Professor Jens Knudsen in 1985, is still part of the lobby. 💛🖤

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab, you can donate online at: plu.edu/give-chem

Today's the day! We're excited for you, proud of you, a little bit nervous, and a lot hopeful. We can't wait to see you walk across the stage and celebrate the culmination of all your hard work. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 💛🖤🎓✨

As part of our looking back at Rieke series, we wanted to share some science action shots from the 1980s-90s. Unsurprisingly, some things have changed, like computer size & hairstyles, but do you know what continues to this day? The PPE! Just look at that excellent safety goggle usage. 🥽👩‍🔬

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab and the continuation of really stellar PPE, you can donate online at: plu.edu/give-chem

Are you friends with a chemistry senior? Do you know what a Zwitterionic Monomer is? Maybe you're curious about what the capstones are like. Well, you can make friends, pick up chemistry lingo, and learn about capstones by attending the first half of the 2026 Chemistry Capstones on Friday the 24th. Visit the chemistry website for details on tomorrow's presentations. All are welcome!

https://www.plu.edu/chemistry/capstone-symposia/capstone-talks-2026/

Next up in our Rieke highlight reel: Rieke construction photos! Rieke was completed in 1985 - same year as Back to the Future appeared in theaters, the hole in the ozone layer was discovered, the NES gaming system was released, and Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

Anyone out there in the first graduating chemistry class to come out of Rieke? Anyone remember Rieke being built? Or hanging out in the building when it was brand new? Who can name their favorite NES game? 😉

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab, you can give online at: plu.edu/give-chem

PAID INTERNSHIP - Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer with Seattle Wastewater Treatment, $22.01 - $27.90 Hourly. The Technical Writer Intern will work with members of the Technical Communications and Training teams, as well as staff in other WTD workgroups, to produce a section of an operations guide to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems.

Applications due April 14, 2026.

Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer      The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Technical Writer intern.  Our internship is for active students only. To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a college, or university program for the dura...

This summer Rieke will undergo a dramatic transformation on the 2nd floor, as the chemistry and physics spaces are renovated. We're so excited for the Rieke refresh! Leading up to this big change, we're going to highlight some classic Rieke photos from the past. If you have any Rieke photos or memories you'd like to share, please do!

First up, a few photos of the architect's drawing and models for the Rieke Science Center. Look out for the tiny model people!

(Enjoy these photos? Check out PLU's Archives & Special Collections!) ✨

If you'd like to support the ongoing glow-up of chemistry, you can give online at: plu.edu/give-chem

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a community engagement group of young people from around Washington. They help the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) ensure young people's voices and perspectives are represented in public health programming and projects that impact them.

Applications are due by April 30th.

https://waportal.org/health-initiatives/adolescent-health/youth-engagement-and-youth-advisory-council